Flue-Vent Caps... Powering Fountains

Q: I read your article about rainwater entering through the kitchen range hood and dripping on the stove. I had the same problem. My neighbor attached a coffee can on top of the vent where it sticks out of the roof. He simply cut slots in the side of the can and placed it upside down to cover the vent. Air goes through the sides of the coffee can and no rain can get in. — Anonymous
A: I appreciate your letter and should have thought of this myself. Any open pipe that sticks up out of the roof can leak through the pipe or vent. In the furnace department of major home stores, you can find flue vent caps that allow for release of gases or air and prevent water entry, just like your coffee can.

Newer range vent systems are rectangular, and where the vent exits the roof, there is a horizontal vent cover to prevent water entry. The horizontal covers and sidewall covers also need a wire screen to prevent pest entry.

Q: In an earlier column you responded to Claude in Des Moines, Iowa, with some advice about his front yard fountain, which was in violation of the National Electrical Code. If Claude wants to be safe and legal, he will have to install a permanent electrical outlet located in such a way that the cord on the fountain pump will reach without the use of an extension cord.

Furthermore, besides being protected by a GFCI circuit breaker, an upstream GFCI receptacle or an actual GFCI receptacle at this new outlet, it must also have a weatherproof cover that is UL listed as "rain-tight while in use," which allows the cover to close completely with the pump cord plugged in.

Extension cords are designed (and permitted by the code) for temporary use only. They are not permitted (again, by code) to be concealed or run through conduit or tubing, etc. — D.C., Royal Oaks, Mich.
A: My article did agree with the codes, except I was, as you say, way off by not taking issue with the use of an exterior extension cord. I often report the improper use of, or should I say overuse of, interior extension cords. Thanks for the helpful advice.

Just as a reminder to my readers, extension cords should never be placed under a carpet or rug, run through a wall or floorboard, covered with insulation, placed in a hot attic or used for a permanent connection.

(Dwight Barnett is a certified master inspector.)